The Catholic Church is the oldest institution in the world. When you’ve been around for 2,000 years, what can happen probably has happened. This is one of those times.
As one parishioner wrote to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB):
“Our church was recently renovated. Our pastor has made certain changes, among them, fish have been placed in the water of the baptismal font. Is it appropriate? I have never seen this in any other parish.”
That’s right – fish in the baptismal font. It might sound ridiculous at first, but if you stretch the imagination one could see the symbolism of the Jesus telling the Apostles they would be Fishers of men, or the Jesus fish which has represented Christ for nearly the entire history of the Church.
However the symbolism may be, according to the USCCB “the placing of fish in a baptismal is font is totally inappropriate.” The reasoning?
“The baptismal font, like the entire baptistry is ‘reserved for the sacrament of baptism and should be worthy to serve as the place where Christians are reborn in water and the Holy Spirit.'”
They go on to mention the Book of Blessing, which provides a comprehensive description of the baptismal font.
“The baptismal font, particularly one in a baptistery, should be stationary, gracefully constructed out of suitable material, of splendid beauty and spotless cleanliness; it should permit baptism by immersion, whenever this is the usage. (Christian Initiation, General Introduction, no. 25). In order to enhance its force as a sign, the font should be designed in such a way that it functions as a fountain of running water; where the climate requires, provision should be made for heating the water.”Â
So there you have it. That burning question on your mind – whether fish can be in the baptismal font – finally answered.
Good